Mantra Group has announced further expansion to its network of boutique Peppers Retreats and Lodges in Australia with the addition of Rundells Alpine Lodge in Victoria’s Mt Hotham ski fields.
To be known as Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge, it will be the first Peppers property to be located in an Australian ski region.
“We are pleased to now offer our guests who’ve enjoyed staying with Peppers in wine regions, coastal destinations and golf resorts, the chance to enjoy the Peppers experience in Australia’s premier ski destination,” said Mantra Group CEO, Bob East.
This is the second acquisition for the Peppers brand in Australia this year following the addition of the iconic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge to the network in March.
A further two properties were also added to the Peppers New Zealand network this year – Peppers Parehua Martinborough and Peppers Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park – to bring the network to a total of 28 properties across Australia and New Zealand.
“It is an exciting time for Peppers,” East said. “We are building on the boutique retreat network which is the foundation of Peppers brand and looking forward to announcing further CBD properties in the near future as the brand evolves from boutique retreats, to luxury resorts and city hotel offerings.”
Rundells Lodge enjoys a history that dates back to 1904, ironically in the newest village in Australia – Dinner Plain – which was established in 1986. The Lodge that exists today, however, was rebuilt some 23 years ago after the original was razed to the ground in a fire in 1928, and relocated closer to town, 10km from where Charles Edwin Rundell built his original lodge to capitalise on the passing trade of the coach service between Bright and Omeo. Current owners Marg, Gary and Fiona Battershill reinstated the name Rundells Alpine Lodge when they purchased it in 2007, ensuring the pioneering Rundell legacy lives on.
Like the original lodge, Rundells is a family run business offering a first class dining room – Graze Restaurant – and superb accommodation hosting both leisure and business travellers as they pass through the high country.
“Aligning with Peppers is an exciting new chapter in Rundells’ history,” said Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge General Manager, Fiona Battershill.
“We focus on creating a boutique lodge experience and Peppers has such an established presence in this sector so we look forward to capitalising on their expertise and bringing a successful international brand to the High Country.”
Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge is located above the snowline at 1565m altitude in the heart of the Victorian Alps surrounded by the Alpine National Park and centrally positioned just 10 minutes from both Mount Hotham Airport and Mount Hotham Ski Resort.
Surrounded by alpine walks, mountain bike tracks and cross country ski trails, a short walk to the Onsen Retreat and Spa and Cobungra Platter ski run and only 10 minutes from Australia’s leading ski resort, Mount Hotham, the Lodge provides a year round luxury destination.
Dining at Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge reflects the commitment that Peppers has to providing an exceptional food and wine experience to guests. Regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Great Alpine Road, Graze uses fresh regional ingredients presented with European alpine influences, showcasing produce from both sides of the mountain including the North East Valleys and Gippsland.
Set amongst the snowgums in the Victorian High Country, Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge provides a unique retreat for small to medium conferences and business meetings of up to 85 delegates offering privacy, space and the opportunity to promote creativity. The High Country setting also provides the perfect backdrop for weddings and special events.
According to East, further CBD and regional locations around Australia and New Zealand are slated for Peppers in 2012.